PSY, Orange Caramel, BTS, And Girls’ Generation MVs Named On Billboard’s List Of 100 Greatest MVs Of 21st Century

Four Korean music videos are included in Billboard’s list of the 100 Greatest Music Videos of the 21st Century so far!

In the list released on July 24 that was created by critics at Billboard, PSY’s “Gangnam Style” (directed by Cho Soo Hyun) is the highest ranking Korean MV, coming in at No. 12.

Billboard notes how the MV became the first video to reach 1 billion views and writes, “With its over-the-top antics aimed at mocking the denizens of Seoul’s Gangnam neighborhood, numerous cameos from local comedians and pop stars, and its easy-to-learn equine choreography, PSY’s video became a surprise global sensation that turned all eyes to South Korea’s music industry.”

In No. 48 is “My Copycat” by the After School unit Orange Caramel. The MV was released in 2014 and directed by Digipedi. Billboard writes, “Orange Caramel have never been bound by K-pop conventions, and ‘My Copycat’ represents the pinnacle of the trio’s out-of-the-box thinking with its interactive game. The full visual experience requires repeat viewings to scope out all of the Easter eggs hidden in each frame, as the sweeping Where’s Waldo shots turn a simple concept into a grandiose design.”

BTS’s “Blood, Sweat & Tears” comes in No. 67, and is described as “the thesis for BTS as a K-pop group whose work is rich for interpretation.” It was released in 2016 and directed by Choi Yongseok & Ko Yoojeong. Billboard highlights the high-art references in the MV and writes, “Amid this lavish portrait of BTS at the height of their game, one thing is clear: the septet makes K-pop for the thinking fan.”

Girls’ Generation’s “Gee,” also directed by Cho Soo Hyun, grabs the No. 92 spot and is described as “one of the biggest K-pop hits ever.” Billboard notes, “The success of it led to the group releasing further videos that rank among K-pop’s all-time most recognizable, including ‘Genie’ and ‘I Got A Boy,’ but nothing will ever replace this 2009 music video for its critical spot in the genre’s history.”

In first place on the list is Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” followed by Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)”, Beyoncé’s “Formation,” and OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”